In a surprising turn of events on New Year's Eve, Ayodhya took center stage as the preferred destination for travelers, surpassing popular tourist hotspots like Goa and Nainital. Ritesh Agarwal, the CEO of OYO, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Ayodhya experienced a remarkable 70% surge in hotel bookings through the OYO app, outshining the booking numbers of Goa and Nainital.

This revelation comes just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport and unveiled the revamped Ayodhya railway station, marking a significant boost to the city's infrastructure.

Agarwal, recognizing the growing trend, declared on social media, "Holy destinations are now India's favorite! Ayodhya saw a 70% jump in OYO app users compared to Goa (50%) and Nainital (60%). Spiritual tourism is poised to become one of the most influential growth drivers for India's tourism industry in the next five years."

The surge in bookings was not limited to the New Year's Eve celebration, as Agarwal also pointed out an 80% increase in users searching for stays in Ayodhya. He noted the shift in traveler preferences, stating, "Na hills, na beaches! 80% more users are searching for stays in Ayodhya today! Seeing one of the highest spikes."

Despite the unexpected trend, some social media users raised concerns about the economic impact, emphasizing the distinctive spending habits of spiritual tourists compared to traditional vacationers. One user commented, "Usually, spiritual tourists spend very little compared to typical vacationers. You go to a resort, dine, sip liquor, and do fun activities, and all that puts money into the economy. Now some people are doing that abroad and putting money into some other country's economy."

In response, another user highlighted the unique nature of Ayodhya, stating, "Ayodhya is not a tourist destination, my dear friend....it's a pilgrim destination, and all of us are eagerly waiting to see Ram Lalla. If you want to offer good accommodation at a reasonable cost for pilgrims, please do so by the grace of Lord Shree Ram."

The surge in bookings coincided with IndiGo's inaugural flight from Delhi to Ayodhya, underlining the growing significance of the city as a travel destination. The revamped Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, located 15 km from the main city and constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 1450 crore in its phase 1, played a pivotal role in facilitating the increased influx of tourists.

As Ayodhya gears up for the 'pran pratistha ceremony' or the inauguration of the Ram temple scheduled for January 22, the city appears poised to solidify its position as a spiritual and cultural hub. The ceremonious event is expected to draw pilgrims and tourists alike, further boosting Ayodhya's prominence on the tourism map.

In conclusion, Ayodhya's unexpected rise as a preferred destination highlights the evolving preferences of travelers, emphasizing the growing allure of spiritual tourism. With ongoing infrastructure developments and upcoming significant events, Ayodhya is carving a niche for itself in India's tourism landscape, signaling a potential shift in the industry's dynamics over the next five years.

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